Excommunication.

You are forgiven my child!

(I was only joking about letting 'em have him)

I think he's lovely.

I have made a lot of pom-poms.

Actually, I don't think I've ever made a pom pom in my life. Well, not completed one.

I think I have said before that I don't have much time for the Catholic faith, founded on fear IMO, and a few autobiographies that I have read have reinforced that opinion.

However, I do feel that so far Francis has shown himself to be a different sort of Pope. No designer shoes, and far more prepared to be among the people (was it in Brazil that he did a mega walk about type thing?)

My stance on organised religion has always been that of a sceptic, this was confirmed for me by the attitude taken by the "pastor" that my ex husband allowed to have so much input into our sons funeral.

But I know that a lot of people find great comfort in their faith, and I am glad for them, providing that they are not shoving it down others throats or of the opinion that anyone that doesn't share their beliefs are destined for hell or to be seen as an enemy on this planet.

I'll get me coat.

Paedophiles should be ex-communicated , Mortal sin,.. in my opinion.
Some will say , not very Christian !
So what , not very Christian--- their deeds !

Sorry for the surfeit of "reallys" there

It would be really scary to really committed believers Ana - no chance of Heaven.

I think it had a lot of impact in centuries past when people really believed in hell. Whole countries put under interdict way back in the days of King John etc.

You might be ready phoenix. I just might let 'em have him!

What a strange aspect of some religions excommunication is! (IMO)
I suppose being denied the right to join in with some of the rituals and traditions is a punishment to some believers, though...

I think that may be the case jingl re the chance to repent.

Stans we're ready, pom pom makers atten....shun!

I'd double the Vatican guard straight off.

I don't understand why really wicked people ars not excommunicated. Perhaps it is felt that they should have the chance to repent of their sins and redeem themselves.

I read that he did refer to the Italian Mafia as being excommunicated. But the article went on to say that actual excommunication is a complicated and drawn out process, and that the pope had never actually carried it out. It sounded as though he was voicing wishful thinking.